HNT BlogDeep on thought, thorough on experience

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​Among the many ski resorts in Hokkaido, we choose Furano as our favorite family winter vacation destination. Having just spent the New Year holiday with our families there and contemplating on the resorts around the island, we have realized why we love it so much. Mostly, we love it for the balance of a top ski resort with great value deals in an idyllic atmosphere of the snowy Japanese inaka, or countryside. Let’s look closely at the Top 6 reasons why we think Furano is so good:

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Furano has Superior Nature Sightseeing

Furano is conveniently located in the foothills of Daisetsuzan National Park, Japan’s largest, and within an hour or two you can reach some of Hokkaido’s best nature sightseeing spots:- The stunning Shirahige Falls, with panoramic views over the Daistesuzan mountain range and hot springs sources directly from the belly of Hokkaido’s deadliest volcano, Mt. Tokachidake ​- The wild natural hot spring of Fukiage, perched in a cleft in the mountains surrounded by lush forest

Shirohige Falls

​- Asahidake – Hokkaido’s highest peak - with its impressive collection of steaming sulfur fumaroles- The breathtaking frozen waterfalls of Sounkyo Gorge, where shy Ezo spotted deer graze below the gorge’s ice walls- If you want to interact with animals, head to Asahiyama Zoo and see the famous penguin parade, pack of wolves or resident Blakiston’s Fish Owl, one of the world’s rarest birds

Penguin Parade at Asahiyama Zoo

Furano is More Family Friendly

​It might be easy to communicate in English in Niseko, with the majority of crowd being young and loud and the reputation of a party spot. For a more peaceful, family centered and kid-friendly environment, we recommend heading to Furano. On top of that, Furano Ski Resort’s amazing ski deals for families await. Did you know that kids 12 years or under don’t need lift passes to ski or snowboard at Furano?! They go absolutely free of charge! Having to pay $250 USD for a kid’s 7-day ski pass in Niseko can really add up.

​Furano also has a plethora of DIY workshops to keep the kids busy off the slopes, including ice cream, butter, cheese or bread making DIY workshops at Furano Cheese Factory (the wood-fired brick oven pizza shouldn’t be missed either!), glass-blowing or gel-candle making workshops at Furano Glass Forest, and wood-craft making at the Ningle Terrace. ​Furano also has a plethora of DIY workshops to keep the kids busy off the slopes, including ice cream, butter, cheese or bread making DIY workshops at Furano Cheese Factory (the wood-fired brick oven pizza shouldn’t be missed either!), glass-blowing or gel-candle making workshops at Furano Glass Forest, and wood-craft making at the Ningle Terrace.

Ice cream DIY at Furano Cheese Factory

Furano has Less Crowded On-Piste Riding

Furano Ski Resort has a surprising variety of terrain. When you get off the Kitanomine Gondola you can see people hiking up a steep, side-country ridge above the lift, an attraction for advanced riders who look for more challenging slopes. Beginner to intermediate riders can stick to the green or red slopes and enjoy powder ski conditions with way less crowds than in Niseko. No wasting precious time waiting in lines! The same goes for Furano’s many local restaurants, ski rental shops, shuttle busses, hot springs and other facilities. Unlike at Niseko, you won’t have to fight the crowds at every turn. At my hotel during the New Year holidays, after a long day of non-stop snowboarding, I soaked in an outdoor bath at my hotel overlooking the tranquil snowy fields. The best part was that I had the bath all to myself. What a treat! That’s something that just doesn’t happen in Niseko.

Furano Ski Resort

Furano has More Authentic Japanese Culture

With the surprisingly large number of Australian developers and tour operators in Niseko, when you finally get there you can actually forget you’re even in Japan! Among the Western faces everywhere, you may ask yourself: “What happened to all the Japanese people?” Furano, even though very touristic, has maintained its Japanese spirit. From observing locals during morning cross country skiing routine, to shoveling the snow after a big dump, to learning how to make a forest themed craft at our DIY workshop at Ningle Terrace, taught by the owner himself. Since Furano is far more affordable than Niseko, the town attracts many more Japanese families. All of that ensures a more authentic Japanese cultural experience in Furano.

Ningle Terrace

Furano is More Affordable

Yes, Furano is more affordable. As I mentioned before, Furano Resort has an unprecedented offer in hand: it’s one of the rare places where kids up to 12 years old get free of charge lift passes. Not only are there better hotel, ski lesson and rental rates, but advanced riders will find cat-ski backcountry experiences at half the price of Niseko! Add to that affordable outdoor snow activities like snow tubing, snowmobiling, snow rafting, ice fishing and dog sledding and you’ll see why Furano is a refreshing change from Niseko, where it often feels like everything costs a small fortune.

Furano has Better Proximity to Hokkaido’s Best Backcountry

Admittedly, this activity is not so much about a family holiday, but if you have the skills, the knowledge and the wheels (and maybe the babysitter!), Daisetsuzan National Park boasts Hokkaido’s best backcountry skiing & snowboarding terrain. Personally, I don’t have experience in backcountry riding, but it’s on my to-do list this winter. I guess I’m mentally resisting the challenge of snowshoeing for hours with my snowboard strapped onto my back to the top of a mountain, but I promise one day I’ll get there and tell you all about it. Located literally in the center-point of Hokkaido, Furano has amazing backcountry in every direction! I do know some people who go to the backcountry on their own, with topographical maps and hike descriptions, but it can be very dangerous due to unstable weather conditions, avalanches, or the risk of getting lost. So hiring a professional guide is highly recommended. You could literally be based in Furano and ride the top 5 backcountry destinations on day trips if you were so inclined.Furano truly offers something for everyone on a winter trip. Whether you’re after a quality ski resort with no lines at reasonable prices, top nature sightseeing, affordable snow activities, DIY workshops, Japanese cultural immersion, backcountry skiing & snowboarding or the real Japan inaka experience, Furano will provide.

Why Blog?

Welcome to our HNT Blog!Our blog covers any and all topics of travel in Hokkaido - from the best gourmet oysters to off-the-beaten-track adventures - and everything in between.

Being on the road, immersed in Hokkaido's pristine nature and vibrant culture, we cannot help but want to share our experiences from the field, our recommendations and connections with the people and nature from Japan's best island!

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